Deuteronomy 29:12
That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:
Original Language Analysis
לְעָבְרְךָ֗
That thou shouldest enter
H5674
לְעָבְרְךָ֗
That thou shouldest enter
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 11
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בִּבְרִ֛ית
into covenant
H1285
בִּבְרִ֛ית
into covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
2 of 11
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כֹּרֵ֥ת
maketh
H3772
כֹּרֵ֥ת
maketh
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
9 of 11
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern covenants regularly included oath-swearing ceremonies where parties invoked deity to witness and enforce the agreement. Breaking oaths merited divine judgment.
Israel's covenant renewal at Moab paralleled the original Sinai covenant, with each generation needing to personally ratify commitment to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does voluntary covenant participation teach about genuine commitment?
- How does mutual oath-swearing create binding obligation?
- Why is divine initiative crucial even though humans participate?
- What does 'this day' urgency teach about decisive covenant commitment?
- How does covenant oath-swearing parallel wedding vows?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day. The purpose that thou shouldest enter into covenant explains why the entire nation assembles. Covenant making requires conscious, willing participation - not forced compliance but voluntary commitment.
The phrase and into his oath indicates covenant involves mutual swearing. Israel swears loyalty to God; God swears faithfulness to Israel. The oath creates binding commitment transcending mere agreement - it invokes divine witness and sanction.
That the LORD...maketh with thee emphasizes divine initiative. Though Israel participates, God authors and initiates the covenant. He sets the terms; they accept or reject but cannot negotiate different conditions.
The phrase this day creates urgency and specificity. Covenant commitment occurs at definite moment, not vague future intention. Like wedding vows, covenant requires specific decision at specific time.